Articulating interbody spacer, vertebral body replacement

ABSTRACT

An interbody spacer implant assembly for interbody fusion in a vertebral body and a method of insertion comprises a plurality of links and an elongated connector mechanism adapted to retain the plurality of links and allow the plurality of links to articulate with respect to one another. An interbody spacer implant apparatus for interbody fusion in a vertebral body comprises a plurality of individually articulating links and a connector mechanism adapted to retain the plurality of links and allow the plurality of links to articulate with respect to one another, wherein the connector mechanism is dimensioned and configured to have a length-to-width ratio greater than a length-to-width ratio of each of the plurality of links. The apparatus may further comprise an insertion rod adapted to insert the plurality of links and the connector mechanism into the vertebral body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/533,782 filed on Sep. 21, 2006, the contents of which, in itsentirety, is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The embodiments herein generally relate to medical devices, and, moreparticularly, to implantable devices used to stabilize the human spine.

2. Description of the Related Art

The spinal column is a highly flexible structure comprising bones andconnective tissue. While, the spine is capable of multiple degrees ofmotion, spinal injuries or anatomical irregularities may result inspinal pathologies which limit this range of motion. Orthopedic surgeonsoften aim to correct spinal irregularities and restore stability totraumatized through immobilization of spinal components.

Most conventional vertebral spacers and inter body devices do notprovide adequate surface coverage and ease of ideal positioning, andothers are generally too large or bulky to be inserted in thetraditional posterior or transforaminal lumbar interbody approaches. Theconventional large-sized spacers that may provide this adequate surfacecoverage typically must be inserted from an anterior or extreme lateralapproach.

An example of a vertebral spacer is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,018,413, the complete disclosure of which, in its entirety, is hereinincorporated by reference. Generally, the conventional designs do notprovide the surface coverage and ideal placement located towards theanterior side of the vertebral endplate while being implanted through anarrow passageway for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) orposterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) approaches. Generally, surgeonsmust lightly impact a spacer laterally towards the medial anterior side,and then try to position it medially once inside the spinal column toget more even coverage. Due to nerve anatomy, this can be a difficulttask even for skilled surgeons.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a new spinal spacer capable ofbeing properly inserted towards the anterior side of the vertebralendplate and which can be easily constructed and ultimately used by asurgeon during a spinal surgical procedure.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, an embodiment provides an interbody spacerimplant assembly for interbody fusion in a vertebral body, wherein theassembly comprises a plurality of links and an elongated connectormechanism adapted to retain the plurality of links and allow theplurality of links to articulate with respect to one another.Preferably, one of the plurality of links comprises a body portioncomprises partially serrated sides; at least one first hole configuredthrough a top of the body portion; a second hole configured through aside of the body portion and transverse to the at least first hole; athird hole configured through the body portion and transverse to thesecond hole; a fourth hole configured substantially parallel to the atleast one first hole; a connector mechanism positioned transverse to thepartially serrated sides; and a fifth hole configured through theconnector mechanism.

Additionally, one of the plurality of links preferably comprises a bodyportion comprising serrated sides; at least one first hole configuredthrough a top of the body portion; a second hole configured through aside of the body portion and transverse to the at least first hole; athird hole configured through the body portion and transverse to thesecond hole; a pair of connector flanges positioned transverse to theserrated sides; a fourth hole configured through each of the pair ofconnector flanges; a connector mechanism positioned transverse to theserrated sides; and a fifth hole configured through the connectormechanism.

Moreover, one of the plurality of links may comprise a body portioncomprising serrated sides; at least one first hole configured through atop of the body portion; a second hole configured through a side of thebody portion and transverse to the at least first hole; a third holeconfigured through the body portion and transverse to the second hole; apair of connector flanges positioned transverse to the serrated sides; afourth hole configured through each of the pair of connector flanges;and a fifth hole configured through a rear portion of the body portion.

The assembly may further comprise a hinge pin adapted to connect a firstlink of the plurality of links to a second link of the plurality oflinks. Furthermore, the elongated connector mechanism preferablycomprises a plurality of pivoting connecting rods pivotally connected toone another. Moreover, one of the plurality of pivoting connecting rodsmay comprise a body portion; a peg; and a hole, wherein the peg and thehole are positioned on opposite sides of the body portion, wherein thebody portion may comprise a pair of substantially flat side surfaces.

Additionally, the assembly may further comprise a retaining pin adaptedto retain the elongated connector mechanism to one of the plurality oflinks. Preferably, a first link of the plurality of links is pivotallyconnected to a second link of the plurality of links. Also, the secondlink of the plurality of links is preferably pivotally connected to athird link of the plurality of links. Also, the elongated connectormechanism is preferably flexible. Furthermore, each one of the pluralityof links may comprise a groove and a hole configured through a side ofthe each of the plurality of links. Moreover, the elongated connectormechanism may comprise a substantially J-shaped mechanism adapted toallow the plurality of links to slide thereon. Additionally, theplurality of links may comprise a continuous flexible structure.Preferably, the connector mechanism is dimensioned and configured tohave a length-to-width ratio greater than a length-to-width ratio ofeach of the plurality of links.

Another embodiment provides an interbody spacer implant apparatus forinterbody fusion in a vertebral body, wherein the apparatus comprises aplurality of individually articulating links and a connector mechanismadapted to retain the plurality of links and allow the plurality oflinks to articulate with respect to one another, wherein the connectormechanism is dimensioned and configured to have a length-to-width ratiogreater than a length-to-width ratio of each of the plurality of links.The apparatus may further comprise an insertion rod adapted to insertthe plurality of links and the connector mechanism into the vertebralbody.

Another embodiment provides a method of inserting an interbody spacerimplant assembly for interbody fusion into a vertebral body, wherein themethod comprises connecting an elongated connector mechanism to aplurality of links; and inserting the elongated connector mechanism andthe plurality of links into the vertebral body, wherein specified onesof individual links of the plurality of links are adapted to articulateindividually with respect to other individual links upon insertion intothe vertebral body. The method may further comprise attaching aninsertion rod to the elongated connector mechanism; using the insertionrod to push the elongated connector mechanism and the plurality of linksinto the vertebral body; and removing the insertion rod from theelongated connector mechanism upon full insertion and final positioningof the elongated connector mechanism and the plurality of links into thevertebral body.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be betterappreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicatingpreferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are givenby way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes andmodifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments hereinwithout departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments hereininclude all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the followingdetailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1(A) illustrates an exploded schematic diagram of an articulatinginterbody spacer apparatus according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 1(B) through 1(G) illustrate schematic diagrams of thearticulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIG. 1(A) according to anembodiment herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an articulating interbodyspacer assembly according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(C) illustrate schematic diagrams of the retainingpin of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A) through1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 4(A) through 4(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the firsthinged rod of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 5(A) through 5(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the secondhinged rod of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 6(A) through 6(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the thirdhinged rod of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 7(A) through 7(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the insertionrod of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A) through1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 8(A) through 8(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the first linkof the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A) through1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 9(A) through 9(C) illustrate schematic diagrams of the hinge pinof the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A) through1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 10(A) through 10(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the secondlink of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 11(A) through 11(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the thirdlink of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein;

FIGS. 12(A) through 12(F) are schematic diagrams illustrating subsequentstages of insertion of the articulating interbody spacer assembly ofFIG. 2 into a vertebral body according to an embodiment herein;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first alternate embodiment of anarticulating interbody spacer assembly according to the embodimentsherein;

FIGS. 14(A) through 14(C) are schematic diagrams of a second alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly according to theembodiments herein;

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are schematic diagrams of a third alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly according to theembodiments herein;

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are schematic diagrams of a fourth alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly according to theembodiments herein; and

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method according toan embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddetailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-knowncomponents and processing techniques are omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used hereinare intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which theembodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skillin the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

As mentioned, there remains a need for a new spinal spacer capable ofbeing properly inserted towards the anterior side of the vertebralendplate and which can be easily constructed and ultimately used by asurgeon during a spinal surgical procedure. The embodiments hereinachieve this by providing an articulating interbody spacer that isdimensioned and configured to be inserted through a proportionatelynarrow passageway and which provides optimal surface coverage andplacement, thereby reducing the chances of subsidence into the vertebralendplates. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS.1(A) through 17, where similar reference characters denote correspondingfeatures consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferredembodiments.

FIGS. 1(A) through 1(G) illustrate various views of an articulatinginterbody spacer apparatus 100 according to an embodiment herein.Generally, the apparatus 100 comprises a retaining pin 1, a first hingedrod 2, a second hinged rod 3, a third hinged rod 4, an insertion rod 5,a first link 6, a second link 8, third link 9, and a plurality of hingepins 7. One of the hinge pins 7 is used to connect the first link 6 tothe second link 8, while the other hinge pin 7 is used to connect thesecond link 8 to the third link 9. Moreover, the first hinged rod 2 isadapted to connect to the second hinged rod 3, and the second hinged rod3 is adapted to connect to the third hinged rod 4. The retaining pin 1is adapted to securely connect the first hinged rod 2 to the first link6, and the insertion rod 5 is adapted to connect to the third hinged rod4, whereby the insertion rod 5 is adapted to be disconnected from thethird hinged rod 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an articulating interbodyspacer assembly 101 according to an embodiment herein. The differencebetween the assembly 101 of FIG. 2 and the apparatus of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) is that the assembly 101 does not include the insertion rod5 (i.e., after the insertion rod 5 has been disconnected from the thirdhinged rod 4). As FIG. 2 illustrates, the first link 6, second link 8,and third link 9 are pivotally connected to one another in the mannerdescribed above by using the hinge pins 7 for the various connections(i.e., connection of the first link 6 to the second link 8 and theconnection of the second link 8 to the third link 9), and as such allowsthe assembly 101 to articulate from a generally straight position to agenerally curved position.

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(C) illustrate schematic diagrams of the retainingpin 1 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The retaining pin 1comprises a shaft 11 with a cap portion 13 positioned on top of theshaft 11. Moreover, the cap portion 13 has an exposed under surface 12such that the circumferential configuration of the cap portion 13 ispreferably larger than the circumferential configuration of the shaft11.

FIGS. 4(A) through 4(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the firsthinged rod 2 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS.1(A) through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The first hingedrod 2 is generally embodied in an elongated configuration. The firsthinged rod 2 comprises an elongated body portion 15 that is generallyrounded terminating in a pair of ends 16, 17 opposed from one another.The first end 17 of the body portion 15 is defined by an upper generallyflat base 20 bounded by a generally sloping wall 21. A pivot peg 19outwardly extends from the flat base 20 in a generally perpendicularmanner. The upper surface of the flat base 20 is positioned below theupper surface of the body portion 15 such that the upper surface of thepivot peg 19 may be substantially planar to the upper surface of thebody portion 15. The second end 16 of the body portion 15 comprises aretention hole 18 configured substantially transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the body portion 15.

FIGS. 5(A) through 5(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the secondhinged rod 3 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS.1(A) through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The second hingedrod 3 is generally embodied in an elongated configuration and comprisestwo generally rounded longitudinal sides 32 and two substantially flatsides 30. The flat sides 30 allow for flexion in the needed directionduring articulation of the second hinged rod 3. A pair of ends 33, 34opposed from one another is also provided on the second hinged rod 3.The first end 34 is defined by an upper generally flat base 37 boundedby a generally sloping wall 36. A pivot peg 35 outwardly extends fromthe flat base 37 in a generally perpendicular manner. The upper surfaceof the flat base 37 is positioned below the upper surface of the topgenerally rounded longitudinal side 32 such that the upper surface ofthe pivot peg 35 may be substantially planar to the upper surface of thetop generally rounded longitudinal side 32. The second end 33 comprisesa generally flat upper surface 39 bounded by a generally sloping wall38. The second end 33 further includes a pivot hole 31 configuredsubstantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the two generallyrounded longitudinal sides 32 and two substantially flat sides 30.

FIGS. 6(A) through 6(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the thirdhinged rod 4 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS.1(A) through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The third hingedrod 4 is generally embodied in an opposite configuration of the secondhinged rod 3. The third hinged rod 4 also comprises a generallyelongated configuration and includes two generally rounded longitudinalsides 46 and two substantially flat sides 40. The flat sides 40 allowfor flexion in the needed direction during articulation of the thirdhinged rod 4. A pair of ends 41, 42 opposed from one another is alsoprovided on the third hinged rod 4. The first end 42 comprises agenerally flat upper surface 44 bounded by a generally sloping wall 47.The first end 42 further includes a pivot hole 43 configuredsubstantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the two generallyrounded longitudinal sides 46 and two substantially flat sides 40. Thesecond end 41 is defined by an upper generally flat base 49 bounded by agenerally sloping wall 48. A pivot peg 45 outwardly extends from theflat base 49 in a generally perpendicular manner. The upper surface ofthe flat base 49 is positioned below the upper surface of the topgenerally rounded longitudinal side 46 such that the upper surface ofthe pivot peg 45 may be substantially planar to the upper surface of thetop generally rounded longitudinal side 46.

FIGS. 7(A) through 7(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the insertionrod 5 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The insertion rod 5 isgenerally embodied in an elongated configuration. The insertion rod 5comprises an elongated body portion 51 that is generally roundedterminating in a pair of ends 52, 53 opposed from one another. The firstend 52 of the body portion 51 is defined by an upper generally flat base55 bounded by a generally sloping wall 56. The upper surface of the flatbase 55 is positioned below the upper surface of the body portion 51.The first end 52 further comprises a pivot hole 54 configuredsubstantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion51. The second end 53 is adapted to be attached to an insertertool/mechanism (not shown).

FIGS. 8(A) through 8(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the first link6 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The first link 6comprises a body portion 71 having a top end 77 and a bottom end 78,whereby the top end 77 is configured with a pair of vertical bone graftwindows 62 that are adapted to allow for bone growth during fusion. Thebody portion 71 of the first link 6 also comprises a pair of opposedpartially serrated sides 61 each terminating with unserrated taperedwalls 63 towards a front end 72 of the body portion 71. The top end 77terminates with a downwardly sloping wall 79 towards the front end 72.Moreover, the bottom end 78 terminates with an upwardly sloping wall 179towards the front end 72. The back end of the body portion 71 comprisesa generally sloping wall 70 having a connector mechanism 69 extendingtherefrom. The connector mechanism 69 has generally flat side surfaces68 and a throughhole 65 configured transversely with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the body portion 71. A rod retention hole 67extends from the sloping wall 70 at the rear of the body portion 71through to the sloping wall 79 at the front of the body portion 71.Additionally, the rod retention hole 67 extends through the upper partof the body portion 71 along a substantially longitudinal axis of thebody portion 71 and is dimensioned and configured to accommodate thefirst hinged rod 2 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A) through 1(G).Also, configured in the upwardly sloping wall 179 is a retention pinhole 66, which is dimensioned and configured to accommodate theretaining pin 1 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A) through 1(G). Ahorizontal bone graft window 64 is positioned in the generally centralpart of the body portion 71 and is configured to be substantiallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 71. In otherwords, the horizontal bone graft window 64 and the throughhole 65 aresubstantially parallel to one another.

FIGS. 9(A) through 9(C) illustrate schematic diagrams of the hinge pin 7of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A) through1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The hinge pin 7 is generallyconfigured in a cylindrical embodiment, although other configurationsmay be used in accordance with the embodiments herein. The hinge pin 7comprises a shaft 75 terminating in a pair of ends 76 a, 76 b.

FIGS. 10(A) through 10(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the secondlink 8 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The second link 8comprises a body portion 81 having a top end 82 and a bottom end 83,whereby the top end 82 is configured with a pair of vertical bone graftwindows 122 that are adapted to allow for bone growth during fusion. Thebody portion 81 of the second link 8 also comprises a pair of opposedserrated sides 88. The top end 82 terminates with a downwardly slopingwall 186, which then terminates with a further downwardly sloping wall84 sandwiched in between a pair of connector flanges 85. Each connectorflange 85 comprises a throughhole 120 aligned with one another. The rearof the body portion 81 comprises a generally sloping wall 86 having aconnector mechanism 87 extending therefrom. The connector mechanism 87has generally flat side surfaces 124 and a throughhole 121 configuredtransversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body portion81. A rod retention hole 89 extends from the sloping wall 86 at the rearof the body portion 81 through to the sloping wall 186 at the front ofthe body portion 81. Additionally, the rod retention hole 89 extendsthrough the upper part of the body portion 81 along a substantiallylongitudinal axis of the body portion 81 and is dimensioned andconfigured to accommodate portions of the second hinged rod 3 and thirdhinged rod 4 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A) through 1(G). Ahorizontal bone graft window 123 is positioned in the generally centralpart of the body portion 81 and is configured to be substantiallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 81. In otherwords, the horizontal bone graft window 123 and the throughhole 121 aresubstantially parallel to one another.

FIGS. 11(A) through 11(F) illustrate schematic diagrams of the thirdlink 9 of the articulating interbody spacer apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A)through 1(G) according to an embodiment herein. The third link 9comprises a body portion 91 having a top end 92 and a bottom end 93,whereby the top end 92 is configured with a pair of vertical bone graftwindows 99 that are adapted to allow for bone growth during fusion. Thebody portion 91 of the third link 9 also comprises a pair of opposedserrated sides 98. The top end 92 terminates with a downwardly slopingwall 188, which then terminates with a further downwardly sloping wall94 sandwiched in between a pair of connector flanges 95. Each connectorflange 95 comprises a throughhole 130 aligned with one another. A rodretention hole 97 extends from the rear wall 96 of the body portion 91through to the sloping wall 188 at the front of the body portion 91.Additionally, the rod retention hole 97 extends through the upper partof the body portion 91 along a substantially longitudinal axis of thebody portion 91 and is dimensioned and configured to accommodateportions of the second hinged rod 3, the third hinged rod 4, and theinsertion rod 5 of the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1(A) through 1(G). Ahorizontal bone graft window 132 is positioned in the generally centralpart of the body portion 91 and is configured to be substantiallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 91. Accordingly,the horizontal bone graft window 132 and the throughhole 130 aresubstantially parallel to one another. A threaded hole 131 extendsthrough the lower part of the body portion 91 along a substantiallylongitudinal axis of the body portion 91 and has its opening at the rearwall 96. Preferably, threaded hole 131 is positioned off axis directedtowards the top end 92 to keep the implant assembly 101 fromarticulating prematurely during impaction. Furthermore, rear wall 96 ispreferably perpendicular to threaded hole 131 for the same reason.

FIGS. 12(A) through 12(F) are schematic diagrams illustrating subsequentstages of insertion of the articulating interbody spacer assembly 101 ofFIG. 2 into a vertebral body 200 according to an embodiment herein. Inpractice, the assembly 101 will be inserted using the insertion rod 5.In the first stage of insertion shown in FIG. 12(A), the assembly 101 isin a generally straight configuration and is inserted into a previouslydrilled opening in the vertebral body 200. In the second stage ofinsertion shown in FIG. 12(B), the assembly 101 is still in a generallystraight configuration and is nearly entirely inside the vertebral body200. In the third stage of insertion shown in FIG. 12(C), the assembly101 begins to articulate such that the first link 6 begins to pivot. Inthe fourth stage of insertion shown in FIG. 12(D), the assembly 101 isentirely within the vertebral body 200 with the first link 6 in itspivoted position. In the fifth stage of insertion shown in FIG. 12(E),the assembly 101 is entirely within the vertebral body 200 with each ofthe first, second, and third links 6, 8, 9 being in their respectivepivoted positions. In the sixth stage of insertion shown in FIG. 12(F),the assembly 101 is in its final position of insertion (i.e., restingposition) with each of the first, second, and third links 6, 8, 9 beingin their respective pivoted positions.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first alternate embodiment of anarticulating interbody spacer assembly 204 according to the embodimentsherein. FIG. 13 illustrates the assembly in its initial position 250 aswell as its articulated final position 251 within a vertebral body 200.In this embodiment (also referred to as a living hinge embodiment) thehinged links 306 of the implant are made of a single piece flexiblematerial held together by a cable or guide wire 205 as opposed to havingseparate links 6, 8, 9 pivoting off a hinge pin 7.

FIGS. 14(A) through 14(C) are schematic diagrams of a second alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly 304 according tothe embodiments herein. This assembly 304 comprises links 306 connectedby a flexible (living) hinge 307. Connection rivets 308 are used toattach the flexible hinge 307 to the links 306. The flexible hinge 307is made of a separate material (with respect to the links 306) and issecurely attached to the links 306 with proper spacing so that the links306 can articulate to provide the desired articulating result. Theflexible hinge 307 may comprise implantable stainless steel, titaniumalloy, or nitinol. Moreover, the links 306 may comprise carbon fiber,PEEK optima, or titanium.

FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are schematic diagrams of a third alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly 201 according tothe embodiments herein. This assembly 201 is similar to the assembly 101of FIG. 2 except the first, second, and third hinged rods 2, 3, 4 ofassembly 101 are replaced with a single cable or guide wire 205 that isallowed to flex or bend where the first, second, and third hinged links6, 8, 9 respectively articulate.

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are schematic diagrams of a fourth alternateembodiment of an articulating interbody spacer assembly 301 according tothe embodiments herein. The assembly 301 comprises an implantable ramp305 comprising an initially open end 309 and terminating with a closedend 310. The ramp 305 is initially inserted between two vertebral bodiesupon which the links 406 may slide down (terminating at the closed end310) for optimal placement. The links 406 comprise a groove 312 to allowthe links 406 to slide on the ramp 305. The ramp 305 then becomes partof the permanent implant assembly 301. The links 406 are not connectedto one another, thus gaps 311 exist until the links 406 come to restnext to one another. After insertion, the open end 309 may beappropriately bent or configured to prevent the links 406 from comingoff of the ramp 305.

With respect to FIGS. 1(A) through 16(B), the apparatus 100 may beassembled as follows: the first, second, and third links 6, 8, 9 areassembled together in succession using hinge pins 7 to connect the firstlink 6 to the second link 8, and the second link 8 to the third link 9.Specifically, the connector mechanism 69 of the first link 6 is insertedbetween the pair of connector flanges 85 of the second link 8 such thatthe throughhole 65 of the connector mechanism 69 is aligned with each ofthe throughholes 120 of the pair of connector flanges 85. The flat sidesurfaces 68 of the connector mechanism 69 are dimensioned and configuredto provide a frictional fit with the pair of connector flanges 85 of thesecond link 8 so the implant assembly 101 will not buckle or articulateprematurely upon impaction. Similarly, the pair of connector flanges 85are dimensioned and configured to provide a frictional fit with the flatside surfaces 68 of the connector mechanism 69 so the implant assembly101 will not buckle or articulate prematurely upon impaction. Once thethrougholes 65, 120 are aligned, a hinge pin 7 is inserted therein torotatably attach the first link 6 to the second link 8. The hinge pin 7allows for a pivot axis of the first link 6 and the second link 8 duringthe insertion stages (shown in FIGS. 12(A) through 12(F)). After this,the connector mechanism 87 of the second link 8 is inserted between thepair of connector flanges 95 of the third link 9 such that thethroughhole 121 of the connector mechanism 87 is aligned with each ofthe throughholes 130 of the pair of connector flanges 95. The flat sidesurfaces 124 of the connector mechanism 87 are dimensioned andconfigured to provide a frictional fit with the pair of connectorflanges 95 of the third link 9 so the implant assembly 101 will notbuckle or articulate prematurely upon impaction. Similarly, the pair ofconnector flanges 95 are dimensioned and configured to provide africtional fit with the flat side surfaces 124 of the connectormechanism 87. Once the througholes 121, 130 are aligned, a hinge pin 7is inserted therein to rotatably attach the second link 8 to the thirdlink 9.

Next, pivot peg 19 of the first hinged rod 2 is connected to pivot hole31 of the second hinged rod 3. Then, pivot peg 35 of the second hingedrod 3 is connected to pivot hole 43 of the third hinged rod 4. Afterthis, pivot peg 45 of the third hinged rod 4 is connected to pivot hole54 of the insertion rod 5 and the assembled rods 2, 3, 4, 5 are insertedinto the connected first, second, and third links 6, 8, 9. Finally, theretaining pin 1 is press fit into retention pin hole 66 of first link 6and captures the retention hole 18 of the first hinged rod 2. Morespecifically, the exposed under surface 12 of retaining pin 1 is flushseated in retention pin hole 66 of first link 6. The second end 53 ofthe insertion rod 5 is adapted to be attached to an insertertool/mechanism (not shown). Again, the insertion rod 5 does not getimplanted in the vertebral body 200. Rather, the insertion rod 5 isremoved once the implant assembly 101 is fully articulated in its finalposition.

The implant assembly 101 comprises various structural features, whichprovides it with enhanced functionality. For example, with respect tothe first link 6, the serrated sides 61 provide friction and avoiddislocation after the assembly 101 is implanted in the vertebral body200. Moreover, the tapered walls 63 allow for the structural distractionof adjacent vertebral bodies during insertion of the assembly 101 intothe vertebral body 200. Additionally, the horizontal bone graft window64 allows for bone packing prior to assembly 101 implantation in thevertebral body 200. Also, the rod retention hole 67 is adapted toaccommodate the first hinged rod 2.

With respect to the second link 8, the serrated sides 88 providefriction and avoid dislocation after the assembly 101 is implanted inthe vertebral body 200. Additionally, the horizontal bone graft window123 allows for bone packing prior to assembly 101 implantation in thevertebral body 200. Also, the rod retention hole 89 is adapted toaccommodate the first, second, and third hinged rods 2, 3, 4 duringinsertion of the connected rods 2, 3, 4, 5 during assembly of theapparatus 100. With respect to the third link 9, the serrated sides 98provide friction and avoid dislocation after the assembly 101 isimplanted in the vertebral body 200. Additionally, the horizontal bonegraft window 132 allows for bone packing prior to assembly 101implantation in the vertebral body 200. Also, the rod retention hole 97is adapted to accommodate the first, second, and third hinged rods 2, 3,4 and the insertion rod 5 during insertion of the connected rods 2, 3,4, 5 during assembly of the apparatus 100. Moreover, the threaded hole131 is adapted to connect with an inserter tool/mechanism (not shown)during implantation of the assembly 101 into a vertebral body 200. Thisconnection is temporary as both the insertion rod 5 and the insertertool/mechanism (not shown) are removed once the implant assembly 101 isfully articulated in its final position in the vertebral body 200. Thisis possible because the rod retention hole 97 is properly sized to allowrelease of the insertion rod 5 and the inserter tool/mechanism (notshown) once full articulation and final positioning of the assembly 101is achieved in the vertebral body 200.

As mentioned, the implant assembly 101 is preferably attached to andinserted or impacted by insertion means such as an insertertool/mechanism (not shown). In a preferred mode, the insertertool/mechanism (not shown) may comprise of a shaft of an appropriatelength. On one end may comprise a protrusion that is attached to thethird link 9 via a thread, a snap fitting, or simply a friction fitstud. On the opposite end, the inserter tool/mechanism (not shown) maycomprise a handle with an impact surface. The handle may also comprise amechanism(s) to pull or push on the insertion rod 5 to articulate theimplant assembly 101 during insertion into a vertebral body 200. Whenthe implant-loaded inserter is lightly impacted, the implant assembly101 is wedged between two vertebral bodies to slightly distract them (bymeans of tapered walls 63 of the first link 6) while being impacted withsufficient force to overcome the friction between the two bone surfaces.

As the implant assembly 101 is advanced into the spine, the surgeon mayactivate the mechanism(s) on the inserter tool/mechanism (not shown) to“bend” or articulate the implant assembly 101 until it is implanted inits final position (as shown in FIGS. 12(A) through 12(F)). Once theimplant assembly 101 is fully articulated in its final position, theinsertion rod 5 is allowed to disassemble from the implant assembly 101by sliding the insertion rod 5 up or down towards the vertebral body200. After the removal of the insertion rod 5, the insertertool/mechanism (not shown) is also removed from the implant assembly101.

FIG. 17, with reference to FIGS. 1(A) through 16(B), is a flow diagramillustrating a method of inserting an interbody spacer implant assembly101 for interbody fusion into a vertebral body 200 according to anembodiment herein, wherein the method comprises connecting (501) anelongated connector mechanism (rods 2, 3, 4 or wire 205 or ramp 305 orflexible hinge 307) to a plurality of links (6, 8, 9, 306, 406); andinserting (503) the elongated connector mechanism (rods 2, 3, 4 or wire205 or ramp 305 or flexible hinge 307) and the plurality of links (6, 8,9, 306, 406) into the vertebral body 200, wherein specified ones ofindividual links 6, 8, 306, 406 of the plurality of links (6, 8, 9, 306,406) are adapted to articulate individually with respect to otherindividual links 6, 8, 9, 306, 406 upon insertion into the vertebralbody 200. The method may further comprise attaching an insertion rod 5to the elongated connector mechanism (rods 2, 3, 4); using the insertionrod 5 to push the elongated connector mechanism (rods 2, 3, 4) and theplurality of links 6, 8, 9 into the vertebral body 200; and removing theinsertion rod 5 from the elongated connector mechanism (rods 2, 3, 4)upon full insertion and final positioning of the elongated connectormechanism (rods 2, 3, 4) and the plurality of links 6, 8, 9 into thevertebral body 200.

The implant assembly 101 generally comprises a plurality of links 6, 8,9 that are hinged together in one plane and at least one pivoting rod 2,3, 4 (or some other connecting mechanism 205, 305, 307) assembledthrough the links 6, 8, 9 (or 306, 406) which are allowed to translateaxially. These pivoting rods 2, 3, 4 (or some other connecting mechanism205, 305, 307) function to pull or push on the hinged links 6, 8, 9 (or306, 406) to articulate them into a desired shape during implantation.The pivoting rods 2, 3, 4 (or some other connecting mechanism 205, 305,307) are configured to have a greater length-to-width ratio than thelength-to-width ratio of each one of the individual links 6, 8, 9 (or306, 406). The links 6, 8, 9 (or 306, 406) preferably only articulateone at a time sequentially, starting with the first link 6 and endingwith the second link 8. More specifically, the third link 9 does notarticulate; only the first link 6 and second link 8 articulate withreference to the third link 9 as shown in FIGS. 12(A) through 12(F).This constrained motion is due to the pivoting rods 2, 3, 4 (or someother connecting mechanism 205, 305, 307) only being able to articulatepast the hinged link segments. The geometry of the pivoting rods 2, 3, 4(or some other connecting mechanism 205, 305, 307) is constrained whileinside the respective links 6, 8, 9 (or 306, 406) and cannot articulateuntil the previous link is in its fully articulated state. Once links 6,8 (or 306) are fully articulated, only then can the insertion pivotingrod 2, 3, 4 (or some other connecting mechanism 205, 305, 307) beallowed to slide in the hinged portion (i.e., pivot peg 45) anddissemble from the implant assembly 101.

The embodiments herein may be utilized in surgery to stabilize the humanspine. It may be used to replace a human disc that is no longerfunctioning properly and restore height between to vertebral bodies, orused to as a full or partial vertebral body replacement device.Preferably, the embodiments herein may be used with some form of themany available fixation devices either from a posterior, anterior, orlateral approach. Moreover, the embodiments herein provide animprovement over conventional devices in terms of the structure of thedevice, the method of implantation, and patient stability afterimplantation. The embodiments herein are dimensioned and configured tobe manufactured from any appropriate implantable material(s) and mayutilize all the standard surgical tools that accompany such devices.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications such specific embodiments without departing from thegeneric concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modificationsshould and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and rangeof equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood thatthe phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodimentsherein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can bepracticed with modification within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An interbody spacer implant assembly for interbody fusion in avertebral body, said assembly comprising: a plurality of links; and aflexible elongated connector mechanism adapted to retain said pluralityof links and allow said plurality of links to articulate with respect toone another.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each one of saidplurality of links comprise: a groove; and a hole configured through aside of said each of said plurality of links.
 3. The assembly of claim2, wherein said elongated connector mechanism comprises a substantiallyJ-shaped mechanism adapted to allow said plurality of links to slidethereon.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of linkscomprise a continuous flexible structure.
 5. An interbody spacer implantapparatus for interbody fusion in a vertebral body, said apparatuscomprising: a plurality of individually articulating links; and aconnector mechanism adapted to retain the plurality of links and allowsaid plurality of links to articulate with respect to one another,wherein said connector mechanism is dimensioned and configured to have alength-to-width ratio greater than a length-to-width ratio of each ofsaid plurality of links.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprisingan insertion rod adapted to insert said plurality of links and saidconnector mechanism into said vertebral body.
 7. A method of insertingan interbody spacer implant assembly for interbody fusion into avertebral body, said method comprising: connecting an elongatedconnector mechanism to a plurality of links; and inserting saidelongated connector mechanism and said plurality of links into saidvertebral body, wherein specified ones of individual links of saidplurality of links are adapted to articulate individually with respectto other individual links upon insertion into said vertebral body. 8.The method of claim 7, further comprising: attaching an insertion rod tosaid elongated connector mechanism; using said insertion rod to pushsaid elongated connector mechanism and said plurality of links into saidvertebral body; and removing said insertion rod from said elongatedconnector mechanism upon full insertion and final positioning of saidelongated connector mechanism and said plurality of links into saidvertebral body.